President Donald Trump officially launched his highly anticipated Gold Card visa program on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. This new initiative allows wealthy individuals and corporations to purchase legal status in the United States. The program opened for applications immediately following the announcement at the White House. It offers a direct pathway to U.S. citizenship for those willing to pay a significant price.
The President announced that the cost for an individual to enter the program is set at 1 million dollars. Corporations can also participate by paying 2 million dollars for each foreign employee they wish to sponsor. This move is part of a broader effort to change how the United States handles immigration and foreign investment. Trump stood with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room as the application website went live to the public.
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A New Path to Citizenship
This new system is designed to replace the older EB-5 visa program. The previous system was created in 1990 and required foreign investors to spend about 1 million dollars on a business that employed at least 10 people. The President believes the new Gold Card is a superior version of that old model.
He described the card as being much better than a standard green card. It provides permanent legal residency and offers a stronger and clearer path to becoming a citizen. Unlike the old rules, the President did not mention specific requirements for creating jobs. The focus has shifted from job creation to direct financial contribution and talent retention.
Focusing on Business and Talent
President Trump argues that this program allows the United States to keep the best talent from around the world. He noted that many business leaders complain about losing top graduates from American universities because those students lack the permission to stay in the country. This program aims to solve that problem.
The administration specifically mentioned wanting to keep high achieving graduates from countries like China, India, and France. By allowing companies to pay for these visas, the goal is to ensure that skilled workers can remain in the U.S. workforce. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added that the goal is to fill the country with the best people possible.
How the Money Will Be Used
A major selling point of the Gold Card program is the revenue it is expected to generate. President Trump predicted that billions of dollars will flow into the U.S. Treasury through these application fees. He stated that all the funds collected will go directly to the federal government.
The President plans to use this money for positive national projects, though specific details on those projects were not provided. This approach treats the visa process as a revenue stream for the government rather than just an administrative service.
Strict Vetting and Background Checks
Even with the high price tag, the administration insists that security remains a top priority. Commerce Secretary Lutnick explained that there is a 15,000 dollar fee specifically for vetting applicants. This money pays for a thorough background check to ensure that everyone who receives a Gold Card is fully qualified to be in America.
The administration wants to ensure that while they are opening doors for wealthy investors and corporations, they are not compromising safety. The process is described as rigorous, ensuring that only individuals who pass strict scrutiny will be granted this elite status.
Cost Breakdown of the Gold Card Program
The following table outlines the costs associated with the new visa program compared to the previous expectations.
| Applicant Type | Cost Per Person | Application Purpose |
| Individual Investor | $1,000,000 | Personal legal residency and citizenship path |
| Corporate Sponsor | $2,000,000 | Legal status for a foreign employee |
| Vetting Fee | $15,000 | Mandatory background check and processing |
| Previous Estimate | $5,000,000 | Early suggestion by President Trump (now reduced) |
Key Features of the Announcement
- The program officially went live on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
- It serves as a replacement for the older EB-5 investor visa program.
- Revenue from the program will be deposited directly into a U.S. Treasury account.
- Corporations can buy multiple cards but each card is limited to one individual.
- The initiative targets graduates from top universities who might otherwise leave the country.
